What Is Enlightenment?

The term enlightenment, in the simplest definition, refers to the act of fully comprehending one’s condition, for the purpose of gaining an understanding of their sense of self. Enlightenment is a difficult concept or term to assign a concrete definition, since it can define virtually most states of being aware of one’s self, across both religious and non-religious practices.

Enlightenment is commonly used in Western cultures in religious contexts. As an example, it accurately translates many Buddhist concepts and terms, such as kensho, botable bodhi and satori. Other terms that relate enlightenment to Asian religions include Kevala Jnana in Jainism and moksha in Hinduism.

In regards to an individual, enlightenment itself can represent the sudden fostering of light in a place where darkness once resonated. It represents the feeling an individual may experience when becoming aware of themselves in a way they haven’t before. To become enlightened implies that one understands the conditioning of their spirit, through the absorption of concepts that penetrate their soul and mind in an evocative manner.

Although it’s not likely that many will achieve total enlightenment throughout their lifetimes, they can alternatively attain a form of enlightenment through seeking knowledge; the act of being open to seeking and absorbing that aforementioned knowledge can help an individual become more aware of themselves, and they’ll eventually take that information and carry it within them for the remainder of their lives.

There are as many ways to achieve enlightenment as there are existing concepts relating to the term. The most common way for many to seek enlightenment involves the art of meditation and yoga. Meditation itself is the act of training the mind to accept or retain a certain state of consciousness that benefits someone’s state of being.

Several forms of meditation exist, such as more strict and controlled practices to casual and easy to adapt versions of the art. Meditation must be practiced regularly, in order to allow one to gain and develop unconscious customary behaviors that may produce positive effects on one’s physical and mental well being. As an example, a person can meditate for at least 15 minutes of their day and immediately see results after a continued regime over a period of a few months.

There isn’t, however, a single and definitive resource to help one achieve total spiritual enlightenment. The path for many to achieve enlightenment depends on their own personal goals and what they hope to realize within themselves, so they can gain a sense of peace they’ve never achieved before.